{"id":30413,"date":"2025-08-28T23:37:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shop.haierindia.com\/blog\/?p=30413"},"modified":"2025-08-28T23:30:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:00:49","slug":"microwave-tandoori-chicken-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shop.haierindia.com\/blog\/microwave-tandoori-chicken-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicken Tandoori Without a Grill? This Microwave Method Nails It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You suddenly want that fire-red, zesty, smoky chicken tandoori<\/a>, the one your mouth links to that legendary roadside dhaba. But you live in a crowded high-rise, don’t own a charcoal grill, and let’s face it, who has time to babysit one anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the real question pops up: can you pull off dhaba-style tandoori chicken in your tiny apartment kitchen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick answer? Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A slightly longer answer? You only need the right microwave and a few simple tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tandoori Chicken Without Charcoal? Blasphemy or Brilliant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Microwave
Credits: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s bust a myth. Great tandoori chicken is not just about clay ovens or charcoal smoke. It\u2019s about three things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. High heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Consistent cooking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Balanced searing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The grill or tandoor just happens to do all three. But so does the convection microwave. Especially the ones that come with grill mode and air fryer function. Like the new-age models from Haier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Appliance That Changed the Game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re still using your microwave to only heat tea or dal, then you\u2019re missing out big time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The 30L Convection Microwave with In-Built Air Fryer (model: HIL3001 ASB<\/a>) is what Indian kitchens were secretly waiting for. It does exactly what a tandoor does. It cooks your chicken with hot air all around, and crisps up the outside using its built-in grill function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And unlike an outdoor grill, this thing doesn\u2019t smoke up your house or your clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Okay, But Does It Really Taste Like Tandoori?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Make
    Credits: Haier India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    No microwave<\/a> can give you the exact texture of charcoal. But does it taste like the tandoori chicken you get in restaurants? Absolutely yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019ll get the colour. You\u2019ll get the crust. You\u2019ll get the flavour. And if you add one extra step (we\u2019ll tell you in a minute), you\u2019ll even get the smoky smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, The Ingredients You\u2019ll Need<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This recipe is for people who want results without spending hours. Quick to prep, easy to cook, and guaranteed to impress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For the marinade (serves 2\u20133 people):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • 500g chicken (thigh or leg pieces work best)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u00bd cup thick curd (or hung curd)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder (for colour)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u00bd teaspoon turmeric<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Salt to taste<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Juice of half a lemon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 tablespoon mustard oil (this adds that smoky punch)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Optional: a drop of edible red colour (restaurant-style)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The One Step Most People Skip (But Shouldn\u2019t)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Marination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Don\u2019t rush it. Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours. Overnight is better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      But here\u2019s the real secret: if you want that dhaba-style aroma, do a Dhungar technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Take a small piece of coal. Heat it till red-hot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Put it in a small katori.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Place the katori inside the bowl of marinated chicken.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Add a few drops of ghee over the coal and cover the bowl immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Let it sit for 10 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        The smell alone will convince you that this microwave plan is going to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Let\u2019s Cook It – Microwave Tandoori Style<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \"Make
        Credits: Haier India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Step 1: Preheat the microwave<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Use convection mode at 200\u00b0C. Preheat for 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Step 2: Prep your chicken tray<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Use a grill rack or a microwave-safe tray. If your microwave comes with an air fryer basket, even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Step 3: Set to Convection + Grill Mode<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Set a timer for 20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Step 4: Final Sear<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Switch to grill-only mode for 4\u20135 minutes. That gives you the charred edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Done. You now have juicy, smoky, restaurant-style chicken tandoori. No mess, no smoke, no drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What Makes a Microwave So Perfect for This?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \n